Halfway to the Truth (4 page)

Reese arrived at the outer boundary of New Harmony before dusk and was passing by the spot she last saw the city’s squad car. The area was void of any police presence, making it safe for a lone deer to step out from the bushes to welcome her back. She wondered if Chief Daniels was able to get over her interfering with him doing his job at the Dollar General. Sooner or later, she’d have to face him and that made her feel a little uncomfortable as she headed for her home.

Several blocks from her destination, her eye caught the image of Wanda Simpson sweeping her front porch. Not resisting the urge to say something to her, she coasted to the side of the road and rolled down her window.

“Hello Wanda, I met your sister in Savannah,” she yelled through the open window.

The portly woman looked up. Seeing Reese, she placed her broom beside the front door and glided down the steps and walkway toward the vehicle. Resting her folded arms above the window track, she leaned in with a warm smile and engaged Reese. “How was your trip to Savannah dearie? Charlie told me you were going there for a job interview. Did you get the position?”

Reese was sure Charlie had told everybody in town where she was going, then answered. “It was better that I expected,” she replied. “I got an offer to become one of their investigative reporters. I also met Shelley. She was a lot of help to me, but none of that would have been possible had you not sent her that cover story I did on the Mayor.”

“Oh dearie, I may regret doing that because now you’re leaving us. At least I’ll be able to keep up with you through my sister. By the way, how did you like Shelley? She’s nothing like me, is she?”

Reese had to be careful with her choice of words. Although they may be sisters, they didn’t look or act anything alike. Shelley was taller and thinner than Wanda, dressed more up to date, and had a snappier personality. “I liked her a lot. She’s smart and seems to really know the news business. I can learn quite a lot from someone like her.”

“She’s pretty, isn’t she?” probed Wanda.

Reese had to think fast. “Of course she’s pretty, she reminded me so much of you. I saw the family resemblance right away. You both have that same sparkle in your eyes. Her voice is a bit more gravely than yours, but yep, there’s a definite similarity between you.”

Wanda seemed satisfied with her answer. “So when do you leave New Harmony?”

I have to give my two-week notice tomorrow. It won’t be easy though. I’ve enjoyed living here and getting to know all the fine people of New Harmony. Sorry I won’t be able to cover the auxiliary’s big fall picnic.”

“Yeah, I need to talk to your editor about that. He needs to hire a replacement for you soon. Do you know anyone that might want to take your place?”

“No, but you might suggest he go right to the journalism schools near here. I’m sure there’s a recent graduate that would love to come here as their first assignment. And who knows, they might even want to stay.”

“That’s a good suggestion. I’ll bring it up with him later in the week.”

“It’s been nice talking to you Miss Simpson. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around town and I’ll make a special visit with you before I leave.”

“Alright dearie, I’m holding you to your word.” She leaned away from the vehicle and waved goodbye as the window closed and Reese pulled away from the curb.

Before going to the news office the next morning, Reese had made up her mind to take her licking from the Chief and drove to the police station. She wanted to make it right between them and was prepared to apologize for her lapse in good judgment. When she got there, he was sitting at his desk looking over some recent wanted posters. He looked up when he heard the familiar click of her heels.

“What happened to you?” she gasped looking at his face.

“Good to see you too,” he said, noting the sincerity of concern in her voice.

“Your eye! It’s all black and blue!”

“Have a seat and I’ll tell you all about it,” he suggested laying down the posters. “In a way, it’s kind of your fault,” he added folding his hands in front of him. “One more thing that I can add to your rap sheet.”

She took a seat next to the desk feeling as though she were about to be grilled, cuffed, and hauled off to a cell. “Well, let’s hear it she invited. What have I done now?”

He started. “That drug dealer I brought in the day before you left? Well, I was so mad at you for getting in my way that I let down my guard. Before I put him into the holding cell, I unlocked his cuffs and he cold cocked me. That’s never happened to me before and I assure you it never will again.”

“What did you do to him?” she said, observing the shiner.

“Well let’s just say he’ll be needing some dental work after he’s transferred to county.”

“Does it hurt?”

“Not now, but the following two days I was sucking down ibuprophen like they were candy. It started to feel better this morning. I think icing it down helped a lot.”

“I’m
so
sorry Chief,” she sputtered. “I was only thinking of myself and getting a story. I thought about you the whole time I was gone and what you probably were thinking about me. I don’t want to leave New Harmony on bad terms with you. I really, really am sorry for putting you in a bad situation and causing you pain. Can you ever forgive me?”

The Chief finally saw a side of Reese he had not seen before. She was no longer the defiant young reporter he had known; she was more like a repentant school girl. One who was afraid her parents would be told she purposely tripped the teacher causing her to fall and injure herself.

“Look, that’s all in the past,” he tried to assure her. “I accept your apology. Most of it was my own stupid fault anyway. I should have been paying attention to what I was doing. How was Savannah?” he said, changing the subject.

“Savannah was great!” she answered. “I was offered a position on the
Savannah Daily
as an investigative reporter.”

Chief Daniels tried to narrow his eyes at her but the lingering swelling and pain in his right eye stopped him short. “Investigator huh? What skills do you have for that?”

Reese pushed her back into her chair feeling indignant by his remark. The Chief, seeing her bristle, wished he’d have said that another way.

“Let me rephrase that. Being any type of investigator takes some skills, like reading between the lines and going with your gut. In my experience those things take years to develop. How do you intend to compensate for them?”

“I know what you’re getting at Chief,” she boldly said. “You’re referring to my lack of experience as a news reporter in the real world. I admit New Harmony hasn’t been anything like the real world because it’s the kind of town that when two dogs get into a fight that’s big news. Even so, I have excellent research skills, a great memory for details, and keen instincts. The rest I can learn.”

The Chief didn’t want to start berating her, so he again changed the subject. “How’d you like Savannah? I’ve been there a few times; it’s a vibrant place. For me though, it’s an okay place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there.”

She let her posture ease as they moved away from a potentially explosive subject. “You don’t like too much excitement do you Chief?”

“I’ve had my share of excitement in the military. Now, I just want to live out my life in a peaceful and tranquil environment. Cities like Savannah and Atlanta draw all types of people and a lot of them are bad people. I just don’t want to be around them. Here, you can drink a beer and not have to worry if someone’s going to throw a bottle at you.”

“Well, all that’s true,” she said, “but you aren’t going to meet any women here either. You’re not so old that you can close off that part of your life are you?”

“Tell you what,” he said, “you don’t go there with me, and I won’t question your abilities to be an investigative reporter. Deal?” he extended his handshake.

“Deal!” she agreed grabbing his hand. “But if I find a match for you in Savannah, I’m hooking you up.”

His good eye beamed a look of acceptance at her proposal. “You do that Miss Summers,” he said with a slight grin.

“I’ve got to be going Chief, but it’s been good seeing you again. I have to turn in my resignation and close out all my dog fight cases. See you around town.”

Chief Daniels watched as she left his desk, her heels clicking against the floor tiles maybe for the last time. Under his breath he muttered, “It won’t be the same place when you leave,” then resumed shuffling through the wanted posters on his desk.

Reese spent the next two weeks working on her last few assignments, saying goodbye to as many town’s people as she could, and packing her few possessions into boxes. The bulk of her assets being mostly kitchen items, some books, and her clothes. The clothing became her biggest challenge to pack into her car. During a dry run with a few armfuls of dresses and boxes of shoes she realized she would have to give some of her things away. It was an easy decision for her to make though, as she now could afford to replace and update her wardrobe when she got to Savannah.

On the day of her departure, she began to have second thoughts about leaving. New Harmony had become part of her and she was going to miss a lot of the friends she had made while there. It didn’t help that half the town showed up at her doorstep to see her off. Leading the way was Wanda Simpson and her ladies auxiliary, followed by employees of the
New Harmony Press
, Charlie and his wife, and a host of others.

Behind the gathering stood Chief Daniels. She saw him standing next to his squad car trying to give the impression he was controlling the crowd, but Reese knew better. They had formed a close bond of friendship that neither of them would admit to and she would miss him most of all. He gave her a salute off the brim of his hat as she turned into the crowd for final hugs and kisses.

By the time she finished, she had an armful of cards and flowers. It was unpredictable whether they would fit into her crammed car. But she managed to find a space for all of it on the passenger side seat as she slid into her car and closed the door.

With Chief Daniels clearing a path for her departure, she rolled down her window and stuck out her arm waving as she pulled away. In her review mirror she watched as the assembly closed ranks behind her waving goodbye. She brushed at a tear as it rolled down her cheek.

Reese’s first order of business was to establish her new home. She had asked for Shelley’s help in locating her a place to stay and Shelley came through with flying colors. Not more than two miles distance from the building that housed the newspaper, she was able to obtain a partially furnished, one bedroom apartment. It was in a newer complex that rented for eight hundred and seventy-five dollars a month. That amount included water, access to a community pool, and two parking spaces.

They had agreed to meet the complex manager there at 4
P.M.
so Reese could finalize and sign her rental agreement. The required background check, deposits, and preliminary work had been taken care of over the past week using the phone and internet. He arrived on time.

After Reese signed the one-year contract, Shelley offered to help unload her things and bring them into the apartment. With key in hand, they returned to her car.

“Do you have anything coming beside what I see here?” she asked Reese eyeing her packed vehicle.

“No, this is all I have.” She grabbed a box from the trunk and handed it to her friend.

“You travel light girl. We’re going to have to go shopping and get you a few things, like towels, sheets, and pillows to say the least. How have you been able to live with so little possessions?”

“Been doing it my whole life,” she replied seizing an armful of clothes from the rear seat. “When you’re getting bounced around from foster home to foster home you don’t get to accumulate much. And in college, a girl doesn’t need more than a leisure suit, a sexy dress, and a pair of hot shoes. I’ve never been one to collect things.”

“Well we are going to change that!” said Shelley. “You’re in Savannah now, and you need to plan on staying a while. When we get done moving your things, we’re going shopping. But for right now, while we’re doing this, you can tell me all about yourself.”

It didn’t take long for the two of them to finish unloading the car and move her things into the apartment.

In the kitchen, Shelley unpacked the few boxes that held kitchenware while Reese put the items where she could find them. During the process, she disclosed to Shelley her life’s story and about being a foster child.

“So, you never knew what happened to your parents?” asked Shelley as they moved into the bedroom.

“Nope, they just disappeared,” she answered while picking up a top she had earlier laid on the bed. “I tried doing some research on them, but never came up with anything. Not sure I want to know anymore.”

“Oh honey, we all want to know about our past. I’d suggest you keep digging. Hey, that’s a cute top,” Shelley said, taking it from Reese and holding it up to herself. I’ll bet it’s a size six though, and I’m an eight.”

Reese grabbed the edges of the plum-colored sleeveless garment and stretched it across Shelley’s chest. “I think it would fit just fine. You’re taller than I am, and it definitely would complement your slender physique and toned arms.

“But what about the bust?” Shelley quizzed. “You’re a little more endowed than I am. Won’t it be loose?”

“It’s a cowl neck, so I don’t think that will make a difference. Try it on!”

“Maybe another time honey. I’m not sure I’d have an occasion to wear it.”

“Surely someone as attractive as you has a man in her life?”

“Yes, yes I do. And his name is Doug Williams.”

“You and Doug are
together
?” Reese said with a comical look.

“No, not in the way you’re thinking. You’ll find out that in the news business there are no regular hours. He keeps me pretty busy, so I’m either too occupied or too exhausted to entertain a man.”

That gave Reese a thought. “Do you know Chief Daniels in New Harmony?”

Handing the top back to her, Shelley said, “Never met the man. I haven’t visited there in a long while and he wasn’t Chief of Police then. But my sister tells me he’s nice though.”

“He
is
nice. And,
about
your
age
.”

“
Who
a girl! You trying to match us up?”

“Maybe?”

“I don’t think so! Besides, he’s there and I’m here, so there’s a better chance of it snowing in Savannah in July than us meeting.”

“You never know,” Reese replied, smiling. “Stranger things have happened.”

Shelley thought it was time to move on from that conversation. She pulled more clothing from the bed and headed into the closet. “Let’s hurry up and finish this so we can get that shopping done and put this place in order.”

Hours later, the women had completed the necessary shopping, which included buying some basic groceries, and returned to her apartment. Reese stocked away the grocery items and then helped Shelley to make her bed. Between the two of them, the place at last came together and at least looked livable. When they were finished, Shelley suggested they go and have cocktails and dinner and knew the perfect place to take her new friend.

When they arrived, Reese looked up at the restaurant’s name carved in wood hanging over the door. It read: BISTRO BISTRO.

“Hope you like Italian,” said Shelley to her companion as she opened the door to let her in. “You won’t find a better pasta sauce anywhere else in Savannah. Maybe the whole of Georgia.” she added, then followed Reese inside.

The maître-d watched them come in and quickly went over to greet them.

“Miss Steward, so nice to see you again,” he said, grasping her left hand between his and kissing the back of it. “And who is your friend?” he asked reaching for her hand next.

“This is Miss Summers, Gino. She just moved to Savannah, so I want you to impress the hell out of her so she’ll want to come back here.”

He kissed the back of her hand and showed them to a table.

Reese gave Shelley a look that said,
you’ve got to be kidding me
. 

He then moved aside and with a slight bow and extended arm invited them to have a seat.

“Miss Summers, it’s a pleasure to have you visit us,” he said, opening her napkin and placing it on her lap. If you need anything, I’m at your service. May I start you off with a drink?”

Across the room there suddenly was a commotion. Gino quickly excused himself from their table and ran over to see what was happening.

From their advantage point, they could see a bus boy picking up pieces of dinnerware that had fallen off his tray. Shelley also recognized the man sitting in the booth where the accident happened. But, she didn’t recognize the other man who was sitting across from him. They heard Gino apologize.

“I’m sorry Mr. Drakos.” said Gino. “The boy was clumsy. Are you okay? We’ll have it cleaned up in a minute. May I offer you and your guest a glass of our special Chianti on the house? I’d like to make up for the disruption of your dinner.”

“It’s quite alright Gino. Accidents happen. The boy meant no harm and no one has been hurt,” countered the man. “We appreciate your offer, but no thank you. Please, go back to your other guests,” he said, pointing towards the table Gino came from when the incident occurred.

It was then he noticed the two women looking in his direction. “Excuse me, he said to his guest, I’ll be back shortly.”

He got up and led Gino by the arm back to the women’s table. “Gino take their drink order, I’d like to buy them a drink.”

Shelley requested a Manhattan; Reese ordered a Vodka Cosmopolitan sending Gino to the bar.

“Hello Miss Steward, nice to see you again,” the man said with a broad smile. Who is this lovely lady sitting with you?”

“Her name is Reese Summers. She just arrived into town and I wanted to show her around a little bit. How’s your family Nikolaus?”

“May I have a seat?” he asked while intentionally forcing Shelley to create a space so he could join them. He purposely sat across from Reese so he could look in to her eyes.

“My father is fine,” he said to Shelley without taking his gaze from Reese. He continued, “How are things at the news desk these days.”

“Oh you know, it’s just one story after another. We’ve been busy.”

“And what is
your
story Miss Summers,” he asked still fixated on her face.

“I’m new to Savannah,” she started. “I just got a …”

She felt a gentle kick to her left foot from Shelley who also nodded her head in a manner as not to say anything, then quickly joined the conversation. “She got a great first impression of our city,” she said, finishing Reese’s sentence. “Oh, I’m sorry, Reese this is Mr. Nikolaus Drakos. His father owns a shipping company based right here in Savannah. One of the largest in the United States.”

Reese now understood the reason for Shelley’s kick and body language. “Nice to meet you Mr. Drakos. Lovely city you have here.” She extended her hand.

Nikolaus was quick to receive it. The pleasure is all mine, Miss Summers. May I say how lovely you are yourself? Are your eyes always the color of the Caribbean?”

“Never heard it put like that before, but yes, they’re green.” She started to flush a little from his continued fascination with her facial features.

“Forgive me for staring, I just find you so captivating.”

Gino arrived back to the table with the ladies’ drinks.

Shelley gave Nikolaus a not so subtle hint to leave. “Thank you for the drinks, maybe we can return the favor sometime.” Then, turning to Gino, “I’m ready to order and I think I’ll take a chance and order for my friend as well.”

Nikolaus received Shelley’s message loud and clear. As he scooted from the booth, he turned toward her saying, “Please tell Mr. Williams our family sends our regards. And Miss Summers,” he said, turning back to look at her, “it was a pleasure to meet you and I hope we see each other again.”

He gave a slight bow toward her and went back to his own table.

“Whew, that was close,” said Shelley. “He’ll find out soon enough who you are, but no sense tipping him off on your first meeting.”

“He seemed nice,” Reese said, stealing a glance across the room.

“The book is still out on him,” Shelley quipped. “He doesn’t seem to follow his father’s way of thinking, but there’s something about him that make my hairs stand up. Better be careful around him.”